Supplementary propulsion backpack and methods of use

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a supplementary propulsion apparatus for imparting thrust to a person and a method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus. According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a supporting shell; a harness in communication with the supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to a person; an engine fixedly attached to the supporting shell; a control device in operative communication with engine; and a propulsion system with at least one fan having a diameter less than fourteen (14) inches operatively connected to the engine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and methods for surface propulsion of an individual on human transporters, scooters, motorcycles, rollerblades, rollerskates, skis, skates, ice skates or the like.

[0002] Well known within the art are various devices and apparatus for enabling a person such as a skier or skater to increase their velocity.

[0003] By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,456,440 issued to Morrill discloses a propelling device mounted to a skater. This configuration presents certain drawbacks such as not being interchangeable between different modes of transportation and users. For instance, it would be desirable to have a single unit that may be used by skaters, skiers, and individuals of different sizes.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,569 issued to Martel discloses a propulsion means for imparting thrust to a person which is disposed or mounted on the user such that the thrust is transmitted to the rear of the user's pelvic area. The '569 patent, though, is way too complex, not easily transportable, and does not allow for the user to be seated while wearing the device.

[0005] Also known within the art are personal mobility vehicles, such as the Segway™ human transporter. The Segway™ human transporter appears to be covered by various patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,367,817 and 5,971,091. Human transportation devices such as the Segway™ have been said to revolutionize transportation. However, one of the major drawbacks of these systems is the relatively limited distance that the vehicle can go on a single charge. While there are different models, generally, the human transportation devices as known within the art may travel between 5 and 15 miles on a single battery charge, depending on the terrain. It is desirable to keep the size of human transportation devices at a minimum, so as to be able to fit into car, elevators, apartments, various tight spaces and the like easily. As such, the battery must be kept as small and lightweight as possible. It would, though, be desirable to provide a secondary and optional propulsion means, that may be used in conjunction with human transportation devices, such as the Segway™. In this manner, the load placed on the human transportation device may be lessened and the vehicle may be able to go greater distances. Also, a supplementary propulsion means may enable the user of the human transportation device to travel at far greater speeds.

[0006] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a propulsion system for light aircraft. The term “light aircraft” refers to parachutes, para-planes, powered hang gliders, ultralight aircraft, inflatable wing aircraft and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,153 issued to Ginsberg discloses an inflatable parachute wing propelled by a ducted propeller. While the '153 invention represents a significant advancement in the art, it still does not solve the need for an easily interchangeable propulsion apparatus that may be used for human transportation devices, skis, roller blades, light aircraft, wind powered vehicles and the like. The present invention, unlike the prior art may be easily interchangeable and provide for different attachments to provide easy adaptability to different modes of transportation and recreation. Another problem with prior art propulsion means is their weight. Whereas a propulsion means as in the '153 patent weighs around 80-130 pounds, the apparatus as describe herein weighs around 14 pounds. This provides an easy to carry, easy to transport and easy to use propulsion means as not yet provided within the art.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for an easily interchangeable propulsion means that may be used by a multitude of different users that is flexible, portable, fuel-efficient, cost-effective, allows the user to be seated while wearing the apparatus and compact. Also needed within the field are methods of use that provide a method of imparting thrust to a person that may be used in conjunction with human transportation devices, such as the Segway™.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides supplementary propulsion apparatus and methods to be used in conjunction with a land, water or air propulsion device. By way of example, this may be rollerblades, rollerskates, bike, light aircraft, human transportation vehicles, skateboard, scooters, motorcycles, skis, skates, ice skates, kayaks, canoes, and light watercraft.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a supplementary propulsion apparatus for imparting thrust to a person is dislosed, the apparatus comprising: a supporting shell; a harness in communication with the supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to a person; an engine fixedly attached to the supporting shell; a control device in operative communication with the engine; and a propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, wherein the propulsion system is comprised of at least one fan with a diameter less than 14 inches.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a supplementary propulsion apparatus for imparting thrust to a person is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a supporting shell; a harness in communication with the supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to the upper back of a person; an engine fixedly attached to the supporting shell; a starter motor fixedly attached to the supporting shell and in operative communication with the engine; a control device in operative communication with the engine and starter motor; and a propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, wherein the propulsion system is comprised of a first fan having a diameter less than ten (10) inches and a second fan having a diameter less than ten (10) inches.

[0011] According to yet another embodiment, a supplementary propulsion backpack apparatus to be used in conjunction with a human transportation vehicle to impart thrust to a person is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a supporting shell; a harness in communication with the supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to the upper back of a person; an engine fixedly attached to the supporting shell; a control device in operative communication with the engine, the control device being operatively attached to the grip of the human transportation vehicle; and a propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, wherein the propulsion system is comprised of a first fan having a diameter less than eleven (11) inches and a second fan having a diameter less than eleven (11) inches.

[0012] According to yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus is disclosed, comprising the steps of: providing a supporting shell; fixedly attaching an engine to the supporting shell; providing a control device in operative communication with the engine; operatively attaching a propulsion system to the engine, wherein the propulsion system is comprised of a at least one fan having a diameter less than fourteen (14) inches; and attaching a harness to the supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to a person.

[0013] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment;

[0017]FIG. 4 depicts the control device according to a preferred embodiment.

[0018]FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a portion of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a portion of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a portion of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0021] FIGS. 8A-D depict preferred embodiments of the harness according to the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 9 depicts the present invention as utilized with a human transportation vehicle according to a preferred embodiment; and

[0023]FIG. 10 depicts a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0025] The present invention generally provides a supplemental propulsion device that may be used in conjunction with transportation vehicles, skateboards, skis, roller blades, boat, jetski, kayak and the like. It is easily interchangeable between different types of transportation vehicles and individual users including short, tall, small and large. It is also intended that the present invention may be used in conjunction with sand roving vehicles.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a supplementary propulsion apparatus 10 for imparting thrust to a person is disclosed, the apparatus 10 comprising: a supporting shell 12; a harness 14 in communication with the supporting shell 12 for attaching the apparatus to a person; an engine 20 fixedly attached to said supporting shell 12. The engine 20 may be a fuel cell powered engine, kinetic powered engine, human powered, solar powered, combustion engine, gasoline, propane, methane, nitro-methane, alcohol, natural gas and hydrogen or any combinations thereof. The engine 20 may be a combustion engine and may be fitted with a super charger or turbo charger. By way of example, the engine 20 may be a 4 cycle variant including single piston, twin cylinder, twin cylinder horizontally opposed, four cylinder horizontally opposed and five cylinder radial. The engine 20 may also be a 2 cycle variant, by way of example a single piston, twin cylinder, twin cylinder super charged, twin cylinder horizontally opposed, four cylinder horizontally opposed and five cylinder radial. The engine 20 may be electric such as brushless, permanent magnet, permanent magnet brushless, ceramic brushless, permanent magnet ceramic and superconducting. The engine 20 may be a rotary variant including a single rotor, single rotor ceramic, twin rotor, twin rotor ceramic, triple rotor, triple rotor ceramic, four rotor and four rotor ceramic. The engine 20 may also be a turbine engine such as a micro turbine, ceramic micro turbine, turbo fan. FIG. 2 depicts an aerodynamically shaped apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment.

[0027]FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an engine 20 according to the present invention. According to the embodiment show, the engine 20 is a two stroke twin cylinder horizontally opposed engine. The engine 20 as shown has a carburetor 28, primary fuel tank 30, reserve fuel tank 32, a starter motor 24 attached to the supporting shell 26 and in operative communication with the engine 20. The starter motor may also have a starter gear box 34. According to the embodiment shown, the backplate 22 may be a portion of the supporting shell 26. The supporting shell 26 may be made of Carbon Kevlar, Kevlar or plastic shell and is aerodynamically shaped so as to provide a reduced drag coefficient. The backplate and supporting shell may also be separate. Also shown is a propulsion system that is comprised of a variable pitch fan blade 36, fan shroud 38, fan shroud support 40, fan pitch adjusting servo 42, and fan pitch loading spring 44. The variable pitch fan blade 36, according to the single fan embodiment has a diameter of less than 14 and preferably around 12 inches. It should be understood that the backplate may be the functional equivalent of the shell. That is, the engine may be directly mounted on the backplate, in which case the backplate acts as the supporting shell.

[0028]FIG. 4 depicts a control device 46 in operative communication with the engine 20. The control device 46 may be handheld, attached to a wristband, emdebbed in clothing, and voice controlled. FIG. 4 depicts one type of a control device. As shown there is a starter button 201, LCD display 202, Antenna 203, wired link port 204, program and mode buttons 205, fan pitch dial 206, removable pistol grip 207, accelerator trigger 208, decompression button 209 and cruise control dial 210. The starter button 201 may activate or start the engine 20. The LCD display 202 may display information such as speed, cruise control, gas, etc. The wired link port 204 is used to link the apparatus to external components such as a computer or handheld. This may be for uploading or downloading information. The program and mode buttons 205 may be used to switch programs, modes, etc. The fan pitch dial 206 is utilized to adjust the fan pitch. The removable pistol grip 207 may be attached or unattached. When attached the remote control may act as a joystick type of control. The accelerator trigger 208, as the name states, increases the fan speed, causing the person riding the vehicle to travel at an increased speed. It is also intended that the control device may be adapted to be removably attached to the handlebars of a human transporter. The decompression button 209 may cause the fan to slow down and decrease the speed of the vehicle. The control device may also be integrated into the harness. Also, the control device 46 may be embedded into clothing or a vest. By this, it is meant that the harness may be a belt and there could also be a vest with the control device therein. A number of different combinations are envisioned.

[0029] The embodiment shown depicts a single fan embodiment utilizing a backpack harness that would be in communication with the upper back portion of the user and would impart thrust to the upper back portion of the user/person. It should be understood that the harness may attach the apparatus to the lower back, mid back, buttocks, legs and arms. However, it is preferred that the fan be attached to the upper back portion. It is preferred that the fan be ducted. A ducted fan can produce more thrust than a propeller of the same size, ducted fan housings can be treated to reduce noise, a fan that sits in a duct is much safer than a open fan or propeller, a ducted fan can produce more low speed thrust than a propeller. The fan may be variable or static. The harness may be a harness, belt, vest, embedded article of clothing or backpack. The control device may also be attached or embedded in the harness or an article of clothing or vest. Also, the control device may be handheld or attached to a wristwatch, belt, vest, shirt, etc. The control device may be adapted to be removably or fixedly attached to the handlebars of a human transporter.

[0030] According to another embodiment, as depicted by FIGS. 5-7, the propulsion system has two variable pitched ducted fans (50, 52). Where there are two fans, the diameters are less than eight inches. The pulley 54, belt 56, support arm 58 form an adjustment means. The adjustment means is in communication with the propulsion system for adjusting the position of the propulsion system relative to the person. According to this embodiment, the engine 60 and fuel tank 62 would be in the center and rest upon the middle to lower back of the person. FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a variable pitched ducted fan (e.g. 50, 52). There is a pulley 76, high speed bearing 84, fan duct 74, cooling jacket support 86, fan pitch control servo 82, fan pitch loading spring 80, fan duct 84, fan pitch control rod 90 and variable pitch fan blade 88. FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the propulsion system. As shown, there is a fuel tank 62, starter motor 64, variable pitch fan 68, variable pitch actuator assembly 70, combustion engine 66, carburetor 72, fan shaft pulley 76, and ducted fan housing 78.

[0031]FIG. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D depict different harnesses. FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a vest 100 or backpack 102. A backpack 100 would consist of shoulder straps rather than encasing the chest. FIG. 8C depicts a winged extension 104, and FIG. 8D a belt 106. According to the embodiments depicted by FIGS. 8A-8C the shell generally makes contact with the upper back of the person wearing the device and imparts thrust to the upper back of the person wearing the device. FIG. 8C depicts a first winged attachment 110 for attaching a first fan 108 to the supporting shell 114; and a second winged attachment 118 for attaching the second fan 116 to the supporting shell 114. As can be seen, the embodiment with one has a larger fan, typically between 10 and 14 inches in diameter. Where there are two fans, the diameter of each fan is typically between 4 and 6 inches.

[0032]FIG. 9 depicts a supplementary propulsion backpack apparatus 900 to be used in conjunction with a human transportation vehicle 902 to impart thrust to a person 904. The apparatus 900 comprises a supporting shell; a harness 908 in communication with the supporting shell 906 for attaching the apparatus 900 to the upper back of the person 904; an engine fixedly attached to the supporting shell; a control device 905 in operative communication with the engine, the control device being 905 operatively attached to the grip 910 of the human transportation vehicle 902; and a propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, wherein the propulsion system 912 is comprised of a first fan 914 having a diameter less than 11 eleven inches and a second fan 916 having a diameter less than 11 inches. The control device may be into the joystick of a human transportation vehicle. The term joystick may refer to any control device for the human transportation vehicle or other traveling device the present invention may be used to supplement, including rollerblades, rollerskates, bike, light aircraft, human transportation vehicles, skateboard, scooters, motorcycles, skis, skates, ice skates, kayaks, canoes, and light watercraft.

[0033] It is intended that the present invention may be used in conjunction with a human transportation device such as that disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,817 which is incorporated herein by reference. The control device may be integrated into the control loop of the human transportation vehicle, so as to activate the propulsion means when the human transportation vehicle reaches a predetermined speed. The control device may also be integrated into the control loop of the human transportation vehicle and deactivate the propulsion means when the human transportation vehicle is traveling in a backwards direction. The control device as utilized with the human transportation vehicle may take any of the previously mentioned forms including handheld remotes, wristbands, integrated into the harness, etc. It is also envisioned that the propulsion means may also be controlled by a leaning means on the human transportation vehicle and activated according to the leaning of the subject. As in the previous embodiments, there may be a starter motor fixedly attached to the supporting shell and in operative communication with the engine. The propulsion system may also be comprised of at least one microturbine. With the use of a micro turbine there would be very few moving parts, and the weight of the Epoch would be cut in half, at the same time the amount of thrust and speed would increase. This would be a good option for light aircraft and water transport. Any of the previous harness and propulsion systems may be used in conjunction with the different control device embodiments including wristband, handheld, etc.

[0034] A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, further comprising an adjustment means in communication with the propulsion system for adjusting the position of the propulsion system relative to the person.

[0035] A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus is shown in FIG. 10. The method may comprise the steps of: step 1002 providing a supporting shell; step 1004 fixedly attaching an engine to the supporting shell; step 1006 fixedly attaching a starter motor to the supporting shell and in operative communication with the engine; step 1008 providing a control device in operative communication with the engine. Optionally, the method may provide the steps of: step 1010 providing a control device that may be easily integrated into the joystick of a human transportation vehicle, step 1012 integrating a control device into the control loop of a human transportation vehicle, so as to activate the propulsion means when the human transportation vehicle reaches a predetermined speed or step 1014 integrating a control device into the control loop of a human transportation vehicle wherein the control device deactivates the propulsion means when the human transportation vehicle is traveling in a backwards direction, step 1016 providing a control device in communication with a leaning means on the human transportation vehicle and activated according to the leaning of the subject, so as to activate the propulsion means in response to leaning forward, step 1018 integrating the control device into the harness. Step 1020 operatively attaching a propulsion system to the engine, wherein the propulsion system is comprised of a at least one fan having a diameter less than 14 inches; step 1022 attaching a harness to the supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to a person. Step 1024 providing an adjustment means in communication with the propulsion system for adjusting the position of the propulsion system relative to the person.

[0036] It should be understood that the foregoing relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A supplementary propulsion apparatus for imparting thrust to a person, said apparatus comprising: a supporting shell; a harness in communication with said supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to said person; an engine fixedly attached to said supporting shell; a control device in operative communication with said engine; and a propulsion system operatively connected to said engine, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of at least one fan with a diameter less than 14 inches.
 2. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said harness is in communication with the upper back portion of said person and imparts thrust to the upper back portion of said person.
 3. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a starter motor fixedly attached to said supporting shell and in operative communication with said engine.
 4. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said supporting shell is a carbon kevlar shell, kevlar shell or plastic shell.
 5. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said engine is selected from the group consisting of fuel cell powered engine, kinetic powered engine, human powered, solar powered, combustion engine, gasoline, propane, methane, nitro-methane, alcohol, natural gas and hydrogen or any combinations thereof.
 6. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of at least one variable pitched ducted fan with a diameter less than fourteen inches.
 7. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of at least one static pitch ducted fan with a diameter less than fourteen inches.
 8. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of at least one microturbine.
 9. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said harness is selected from the group consisting of a harness, belt, vest, embedded article of clothing and backpack.
 10. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said control device may be adapted to be removably attached to the handlebars of a human transporter.
 11. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said control device may be adapted to be fixedly attached to a portion of a human transporter.
 12. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said control device is a handheld remote control.
 13. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said control device is integrated into said harness.
 14. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said shell is aerodynamically shaped so as to provide a reduced drag coefficient.
 15. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of two variable pitched ducted fans with diameters less than eight inches, wherein each said variable ducted fan is in operative communication with said engine.
 16. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a first winged extension in fixed communication with said shell and a first said variable pitched ducted fans and a second winged extension in fixed communication with said shell and a second said variable pitched ducted fan.
 17. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising an adjustment means in communication with said propulsion system for adjusting the position of said propulsion system relative to said person.
 18. A supplementary propulsion apparatus for imparting thrust to a person, said thrust being transmitted to said person, said apparatus comprising: a supporting shell; a harness in communication with said supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to the upper back of said person; an engine fixedly attached to said supporting shell; a starter motor fixedly attached to said supporting shell and in operative communication with said engine; a control device in operative communication with said engine and said starter motor; and a propulsion system operatively connected to said engine, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of a first fan having a diameter less than ten inches and a second fan having a diameter less than ten inches.
 19. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said harness is in communication with said upper back portion of said person and imparts thrust to the upper back portion of said person.
 20. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, further comprising: a first winged attachment for attaching said first fan to said supporting shell; and a second winged attachment for attaching said second fan to said supporting shell.
 21. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said engine is selected from the group consisting of fuel cell powered engine, kinetic powered engine, human powered, solar powered, combustion engine, gasoline, propane, methane, nitro-methane, alcohol, natural gas or hydrogen.
 22. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said first fan and said second fan are variable pitched or static pitch fans.
 23. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said harness is selected from the group consisting of a belt, vest, and backpack.
 24. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said control device may be adapted to be removably attached to the handlebars of a human transporter.
 25. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said control device may be adapted to be fixedly attached to a portion of a human transporter.
 26. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said control device is a handheld remote control.
 27. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said control device is integrated into said harness.
 28. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said shell is aerodynamically shaped so as to provide a reduced drag coefficient.
 29. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, further comprising a first winged extension in fixed communication with said shell and said first fan and a second winged extension in fixed communication with said shell and said second fan.
 30. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 18, further comprising an adjustment means in communication with said propulsion system for adjusting the position of said propulsion system relative to said person
 31. A supplementary propulsion backpack apparatus to be used in conjunction with a human transportation vehicle to impart thrust to a person, said apparatus comprising: a supporting shell; a harness in communication with said supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to the upper back of said person; an engine fixedly attached to said supporting shell; a control device in operative communication with said engine, said control device being operatively attached to the grip of said human transportation vehicle; and a propulsion system operatively connected to said engine, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of a first fan having a diameter less than 11 eleven inches and a second fan having a diameter less than 11 inches.
 32. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said control device is integrated into a joystick of said human transportation vehicle.
 33. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said control device is integrated into the control loop of said human transportation vehicles, so as to activate the propulsion means when said human transportation vehicle reaches a predetermined speed.
 34. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said control device is integrated into the control loop of said human transportation vehicle and deactivates the propulsion means when said human transportation vehicle is traveling in a backwards direction.
 35. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said control device is a handheld remote control.
 36. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said control device is integrated into said harness.
 37. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said propulsion means is controlled by a leaning means on said human transportation vehicle and activated according to the leaning of the subject.
 38. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said harness is in communication with said upper back portion of said person and imparts thrust to the upper back portion of said person.
 39. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, further comprising a starter motor fixedly attached to said supporting shell and in operative communication with said engine.
 40. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said supporting shell is selected from the group consisting of Carbon kevlar, kevlar, plastic or any combination thereof.
 41. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said engine is selected from the group consisting of fuel cell powered engine, kinetic powered engine, human powered, solar powered, combustion engine, gasoline, propane, methane, nitro-methane, alcohol, natural gas or hydrogen.
 42. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of at least one variable pitched ducted fan with a diameter less than fourteen inches.
 43. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of at least one static pitch ducted fan.
 44. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of at least one microturbine.
 45. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said shell is aerodynamically shaped so as to provide a reduced drag coefficient.
 46. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of two variable pitched ducted fans with diameters less than eight inches, wherein each said variable ducted fan is in operative communication with said engine.
 47. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, further comprising a first winged extension in fixed communication with said shell and a first said variable pitched ducted fans and a second winged extension in fixed communication with said shell and a second said variable pitched ducted fan.
 48. A supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 31, further comprising an adjustment means in communication with said propulsion system for adjusting the position of said propulsion system relative to said person.
 49. A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus, comprising the steps of: providing a supporting shell; fixedly attaching an engine to said supporting shell; providing a control device in operative communication with said engine; operatively attaching a propulsion system to said engine, wherein said propulsion system is comprised of a at least one fan having a diameter less than 14 inches; and attaching a harness to said supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to said person.
 50. A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion as in claim 49, further comprising the step of fixedly attaching a starter motor to said supporting shell and in operative communication with said engine;
 50. A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 49, further comprising the step of: providing a control device that may be easily integrated into the joystick of a human transportation vehicle.
 51. A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 49, further comprising the step of: integrating a control device into the control loop of a human transportation vehicle, so as to activate the propulsion means when said human transportation vehicle reaches a predetermined speed.
 52. A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 49, further comprising the step of: integrating a control device into the control loop of a human transportation vehicle wherein said control device deactivates the propulsion means when said human transportation vehicle is traveling in a backwards direction.
 53. A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 49, further comprising the step of: providing a control device in communication with a leaning means on said human transportation vehicle and activated according to the leaning of the subject, so as to activate said propulsion means in response to leaning forward.
 54. A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 49, further comprising the step of: integrating said control device into said harness.
 55. A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 49, further comprising the step of: providing a starter motor fixedly attached to said supporting shell and in operative communication with said engine.
 56. A method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus as in claim 49, further comprising the step of: providing an adjustment means in communication with said propulsion system for adjusting the position of said propulsion system relative to said person. 